Hello, I’m Soula, your MoreGoodDays Coach

I couldn’t be more thrilled to be writing this bit of news.

I’ve always loved how creativity has been my guiding light through life, but although bittersweet, advocacy has also led me through some pretty amazing experiences!

As difficult, traumatic and life-altering the past 18 years have been, advocacy has presented paths I sure would never have discovered had I lived a capacity-unlimited life.

I’ve self-published a book, featured in Peter Lamont’s film The Hurting Strings; co-authored a medical paper, presented at GP training sessions and events; founded this site; founded My Health Story; and survived this immense trauma that, at times, I thought would wipe me off this earth.

Now, advocacy has placed me in a coaching role with the incredible team at MoreGoodDays.

What is MoreGoodDays (MGD)?

You might have read my posts More and More Fab Women Founders, More and MoreGoodDays about the inspiring Neala Fulia, and Is Symptom Tracking Your Road Map to Better Days. Or you might have noticed my fourth suggestion on the home page listing my top recovery suggestions, which is to get onto MGD.

But if you don’t know MGD and you’re still on the hunt for a way to stop pain from consuming your life, then read on.

MGD is a for-purpose company dedicated to helping people with chronic pain regain their lives through digital pain management and peer support coaching.

Put simply, MGD delivers a customised pain management program directly to you, which is why I LOVE IT. I’m all about putting people in control of their health and changing a health system that has broken so many of us.

Had I had access to something like MGD in my first 6 months or even a year after my accident, I would not be managing the level of incapacity and pain I am now.

My s**t show would have ended years ago.

Even now, in my daily negotiations between activity and the effects of pain, I still find helpful information in the MGD program and from their brilliant newsletters that help me manage that little bit better!

So, how does MGD help exactly?

Lived experience is far from a superficial consideration for MGD; it is embedded into the organisation’s very fabric – why else would I join this fantastic team?

Coaches are people who live with fibromyalgia and/or chronic pain and are successfully managing their symptoms. With eight chapters of educational and resource material, the program includes three psychology and three physiotherapy appointments (both coaches specialise in pain management). All coaches work together to understand your unique situation and support you through the 8-week program.

And it all happens via telehealth!

It’s important to approach the MGD program with hope and positivity; I know that can be difficult after the health system might have stripped you of it.

I know many of you have spent a fortune on appointments and investigations. But MGD is worth it, mainly because it saves the running around and puts the right people and information into your hands.

To manage long-term pain, you need to become self-sufficient, and that means you need to be armed with the correct health ammunition.

At MGD, everyone is trained in evidence-based approaches and can personalise the strategies to suit each person’s unique needs. The program aims to empower you with the tools and support you need to have more good days.

I join two other amazing coaches—Sonja Smout (in the vid below), and my dear friend and My Health Story comrade, Dr. Mandy Mercuri who is also a Mindfulness coach—we form your virtual support.

Your assigned coach touches base with you regularly to ensure you’re getting the most out of the tailored program and to help with any concerns.

MGD has done the research and knows that to manage chronic pain, you must treat every aspect: education, psychology, physical conditioning, diet and lifestyle – it’s a fact!

We know what to do now! Sadly, you only need to look over my site to see that I’ve been trying to piece that crucial life puzzle together since 2007—all alone, like so many of you.

I was in a jungle.

But you don’t have to be. You have access to a program that can help you, and you can check if it’s right for you right here, like now.

Where was this program when I needed it?

Where was this program when WorkSafe and Income Protection insurers required me to undergo useless and painful ‘Independent Medical Examinations’ that only hindered my recovery and return to work (not to mention my support)?

You won’t believe this, but insurers are paying attention to MGD because the results are real. I am in disbelief – some insurers cover 100% of the program for their clients! The Victorian Ombudsman would be impressed—a new way forward is emerging.

It would be worth asking your insurer if they can fund your attendance at the program.

So, Just ask

That is one of my life mantras – what does anyone have to lose by asking a question? As people managing chronic pain, we’ve asked a million and continue to do so daily.

So ask if MGD is for you, and you never know; you might have me as your MGD coach.

I would be pleased to help you get back to more good days.